Smoked Haddock and Mash is a simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and flavour to the table. It is a meal that feels both traditional and special, making it a great choice for a cosy family dinner or a more refined occasion. The combination of smoked haddock, creamy mashed potatoes, peas, and a delicate white sauce with chives creates a balanced and satisfying plate.
One of the highlights of this dish is the smoked haddock itself. The fish is gently poached in milk, a technique that not only keeps it tender but also enhances its naturally smoky, slightly sweet flavour. The milk helps to mellow out the saltiness, creating a beautifully delicate taste that pairs perfectly with the other elements on the plate.
Then comes the mashed potatoes—a must-have side that brings warmth and comfort. A good, buttery mash provides the perfect base for the fish, soaking up any delicious flavours from the plate. It adds a smooth and creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the flakiness of the haddock.
Peas are the ideal vegetable to complete this dish. Their bright green colour adds a fresh and inviting touch, while their natural sweetness complements the smoky fish and rich mash. Whether they are simply steamed or lightly buttered, they bring a little burst of flavour and a touch of vibrancy to the plate.
The finishing touch is the white sauce, made even more delightful with the addition of fresh chives. This sauce ties everything together, adding a light, creamy element that enhances the flavours without overpowering them. The chives provide a gentle onion-like freshness, lifting the dish and adding a bit of colour.
What makes Smoked Haddock and Mash such a lovely dish is its simplicity. There is nothing overly complicated here—just good, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. It is a meal that feels homely yet elegant, with a well-balanced mix of flavours and textures.
This dish is perfect for any time of year, but it is particularly wonderful on cooler evenings when a warm and comforting meal is just what you need. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight treat or served to guests for a special occasion, Smoked Haddock and Mash is always a welcome choice.
If you love classic flavours and comforting meals, this dish is one to try. The combination of tender smoked haddock, creamy mash, sweet peas, and a delicate white sauce makes for a truly satisfying and delicious experience.

Smoked Haddock with Mash
Ingredients
- 4 medium smoked haddock fillets
- 600 ml whole milk
- 800 g potatoes peeled and chopped
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 100 ml double cream
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 200 g frozen peas
For the sauce:
- 25 g plain flour
- 25 g unsalted butter
- 250 ml milk
- salt to taste
- ground pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Place the smoked haddock fillets in a large pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with the milk. Poach over low heat for about 8-10 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily.4 medium smoked haddock fillets, 600 ml whole milk, salt, pepper
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until soft.800 g potatoes
- Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.50 g unsalted butter, 100 ml double cream, salt, pepper
- Cook the peas according to packet instructions, then drain and set aside.200 g frozen peas
- In a separate pan, melt 25g butter, stir in the flour and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper if needed.25 g plain flour, 25 g unsalted butter, 250 ml milk, salt, ground pepper
- Simmer until thickened, then stir in the chopped chives.1 tbsp fresh chives
- To serve, plate the mashed potatoes, top with the poached haddock, and serve with peas and the chive-infused white sauce.
15 comments
This meal is comfort food at its finest.
his reminded me of home-cooked meals from my childhood. Perfect
The smoked haddock poached in milk is so simpl e and makes it fall apart.
The creamy mash and delicate sauce make it feel like such a treat while the haddock was absolutley perfect.
The white sauce with chives adds just the right touch of freshness.
The haddock was falling apart perfect. Loved this so much have added more smoked haddock for this week.
A beautifully simple yet elegant dish. The smoky flavour of the haddock with the creamy mash was divine
A great meal for a cosy night in.
The flavours work so well together—definitely making this again.
This dish is a perfect balance of flavour and comfort. The smoked haddock is beautifully tender, and the creamy mash and chive sauce elevate it to a whole new level
The smoked haddock was flaky and packed with flavour.
The peas add a lovely sweetness that balances everything out so well.
A classic combination that never fails.
I never knew such simple ingredients could create such a wonderful dish.
The white sauce was the perfect finishing touch.